Vancouver’s 3-2 shootout win over the Canadiens was less than convincing; but a pair of goals from Ryan Kesler would propel the Canucks in the nation’s capital to a comfortable 4-1 win over the sloppy Senators.

Nick Foligno crushed Cody Hodgson with a hard hit during Saturday’s first period but wouldn’t keep the young prospect out of action long after Hodgson passed his baseline imPACT concussion test, allowing him to play two nights later against Columbus.

Unfortunately for Hodgson and the Canucks, his 7:51 of ice time against the Blue Jackets would hardly help the visitors in a shootout loss.

Around the Rink

Just when the Canucks seemed to have their own issues to worry about on ice the following a 2-1 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets, Dave Bolland stoked the fire of one of the NHL’s most celebrated rivalries.

Canucks fans know the Blackhawks have enjoyed more than their fare share of pints and pictures at the Roxy and other local establishments, but Bolland’s big words did spark a response from some of the Canucks themselves.

While the war of wards has remained at childish levels so far this season, fans can only hope these grown men can work out their differences like adults the next time these two teams meet.

On a day the NHL will once again take a closer look at one of its most fierce Eastern rivalries, Canucks fans couldn’t help but scan ahead on the calendar to highlight Tuesday January 31’s meaningful matchup.

All due respect to Flyers vs. Rangers, the Canucks and Blackhawks have provided their bulk of bad blood for the NHL and its fans to enjoy over the past few seasons. CLICK HERE FOR CANUCKS TEAM STATS –>

In The Infirmary

Cody Hodgson was hit hard by Nick Foligno in Saturday’s game against the Senators; however the young center was allowed to skate again Tuesday against Columbus.

Despite passing baseline concussion tests during the game in Ottawa, Hodgson was held out of the remainder of the Canucks’ weekend contest for precautionary reasons.

Andrew Ebbett has been cleared to skate with the Canucks and will join his teammates in Carolina when the Canucks take on the Hurricanes in Raleigh tonight.

David Booth is out until mid January with his knee injury suffered on Dec 7th. (Sprained MCL)

Join up this summer for the inaugural session of the Vancouver Canucks Hockey School. This exciting summer hockey camp will be operated by Okanagan Hockey School, which is entering its 50th year of operation.

The camp is for players aged 5 -14 and offers something for all abilities.